Registration, verification and notification system

ABSTRACT

A registrant provides at least one registrant electronic contact, such as a telephone number, during a registration process. The registrant&#39;s information may be compared to a database of such information. The registrant is verified by establishing a connection with the registrant via the registrant contact. The verification code is communicated to the registrant, which is input into an on-line form. Notification events are established, and the registrant is notified of the occurrence of a previously established notification event by establishing a connection with the registrant via the registrant contact.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is a continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/915,589, entitled “REGISTRATION, VERIFICATIONAND NOTIFICATION SYSTEM”, filed Jun. 11, 2013, which is a continuationapplication of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/538,989 (now U.S.Pat. No. 8,462,920), entitled “REGISTRATION, VERIFICATION ANDNOTIFICATION SYSTEM”, filed Oct. 5, 2006, which is acontinuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/034,421,entitled “ON-LINE AUTHENTICATION REGISTRATION SYSTEM”, filed Jan. 11,2005, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in theirentireties.

BACKGROUND

The present invention generally relates to on-line or web-siteregistration. More particularly, the present invention relates to aprocess for verifying an on-line registration by a telephone connectionseparate from the on-line connection between the web-site and potentialregistrant. The present invention also relates to a process fornotifying registrants of predetermined events using information obtainedduring the registration process.

With the increasing popularity of the Internet, and web-site surfing andusage, both commercial and personal, it has become increasingly popularto require users to register at the web-site in order to obtaininformation from the web-site, order goods through the web-site, etc. Insome instances, the owners of the web-site wish to use the registrationinformation to selectively target promotions, advertisements, etc. tothe registrant and thus get a secondary gain in addition to having theregistrant visit the web-site or use the services provided through theweb-site. In other instances, the registrant's registration informationis not used whatsoever, but instead, the registration information iskept completely confidential and is used only for the purposes ofallowing the registrant to enter the web-site and obtain information orgoods and services through the web-site.

Authentication is fundamental to every Internet transaction. Individualsand businesses who wish to engage in trade on-line must authenticatethemselves by reliably establishing their identity, and presentingcredentials as proof of that identity. However, when doing business onthe Internet, potential registrants often register with untraceable orfalse e-mail addresses and phone numbers. This can compromise theintended purpose of the registration, create a breach of security andconstitute fraud on the web-site owners.

Aside from Internet transactions, individuals and businesses may wish tohave a notification procedure in place. For example, to prevent fraud oridentity theft, either the business or individual may wish to be alertedto certain events. For example, a consumer may wish to be notified everytime a withdrawal or more than one thousand dollars is requested fromhis checking account, or charged to his credit card. A business may wishto notify a consumer when more than five transactions post to aconsumer's account within twenty-four hours. When credit cards, accountnumbers, and the like are stolen, these accounts are quickly drained ofcash or credit over a short period of time. This can be largely avoidedby notifying the account owner of these acts or even seeking his or herauthorization before permitting such transactions to occur. Of course,this limits the financial liability for both the bank, as well as theconsumer. There are other instances when such notification can behelpful, such as being alerted to when a teenage son or daughter chargesmore than $500.00 on their credit card, when automatic deposits occur,etc. There are also instances which are not financially based in whichnotification could benefit both the consumer as well as the business.For example, the consumer may want to be alerted to news information,updated sports scores, etc.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need for a method of verifying aregistrant's identity, such as through the registrant's telephonenumber. There is also a continuing need for a method to notify aregistrant, such as through the registrant's telephone number, of eventswhich are established either by the individual registrant or the companythrough which the registrant is conducting services. The presentinvention fulfills these needs and provides other related advantages.

SUMMARY

The present invention resides in a process for verifying the identity ofa registrant, as well as using the registration information to notifythe registrant of events that are either established by the registrantor the business through which the registrant has registered. Generally,the process comprises providing a registration form to a registrant, whoat least partially completes the registration form. At least oneregistration electronic contact is provided by the registrant. Theregistrant is then verified, such as by establishing a connection withthe registrant vis a vis at least one registrant contact. A verificationcode is then communicated to the registrant. The verification code isthen input by the registrant into an on-line form or a telephoneverification system.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, the registration form isprovided in a web-site. The registrant is informed via the web-site thatan electronic message is being sent to the registrant via the electroniccontact, which is typically a telephone number. The electronic messagemay comprise a short message service (SMS) message received byregistrant's telephone, or a voice message. The electronic messageincludes either the verification code or a verification system telephonenumber for the registrant to call to receive the verification code.Although the system typically establishes a telephonic connection withthe registrant via the registrant's telephone number, the inventioncontemplates providing a system telephone number for the registrant tocall to obtain this information. The verification code is then input bytelephone using voice or keypad entry, or entered into a form on theweb-site.

During the registration and verification process, the informationprovided by the registrant in the registration form may be compared to adatabase containing personally identifying information. For example,such personal identifying information can include registrant's names,telephone numbers, addresses, e-mail addresses, social security numbers,etc., to verify and authenticate that the registrant is who he or sherepresents themselves to be.

After registration, notification events are established. Establishingthe notification events can be done by either the registrant and/or thebusiness or other third party utilizing the system and process of thepresent invention. Such notification events may comprise a news event,or a request to access or alter registrant's account. For example,registrant's account may comprise a financial account. Upon theoccurrence of a previously established notification event, theregistrant is notified by establishing a connection with the registrant,typically by contacting the registrant through a telephonic connectionwith the registrant via at least one registrant telephone numberprovided by the registrant during the registration process.

The system of the present invention is designed so as to detect ananswering machine message, and delay a predetermined amount of timebefore playing an automated message concerning the notification. If thisoccurs during the registration process, or a reverification process, theautomated message includes the verification code.

If the telephone number provided by the registrant is not a direct-linenumber, or is a PBX number, the registrant during the registrationprocess indicates that the telephone number requires an extension andwhether a live operator will answer a call. In the event that a liveoperator answers the call, an automated message is played directing thelive operator to dial the extension of the registrant. Afterwards, apause for a predetermined amount of time occurs before an automatedmessage is played which includes either the verification code ornotifying the registrant of the occurrence of a preestablished event.However, if a live operator does not answer the call, after a pause, theextension is automatically dialed. After another pause, an automatedmessage is played, including either the verification code ornotification of the occurrence of the event.

The registrant may be required to reverify, as described above, beforepermitting access or alteration of the registrant's account or receivingnotification of the occurrence of the preestablished event. Theregistrant may be charged for the notification.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the following more detailed description, taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate, by way ofexample, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. In such drawings:

FIG. 1 is a flow chart depicting the general steps taken in accordancewith the verification process of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is another flow chart depicting the steps of the verificationprocess of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a flow chart depicting the steps of one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 4 is a flow chart depicting the steps taken in another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting the steps taken in yet anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart depicting the steps taken in still anotherembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a flow chart depicting the steps taken in another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a flow chart depicting the steps in yet another embodiment ofthe present invention;

FIG. 9 is a flow chart depicting the steps taken in accordance with thepresent invention for registering and verifying a registrant as aprelude to notification; and

FIG. 10 is a flow chart depicting the steps taken in accordance with thepresent invention when the registrant is not contacted directly, butthrough an operator or automated message system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As shown in the accompanying drawings, for purposes of illustration, thepresent invention resides in a process for verifying the identity of aregistrant, and utilizing the verification and/or registrationinformation to notify the registrant of predetermined events establishedby either the registrant or the business.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, theregistration process involves an on-line registration form accessedthrough a web-site. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled inthe art that the registration form nor process need involve an on-lineform. The verification and notification processes, as will be more fullydescribed herein, could be achieved through other registration forms,such as a handwritten form. The registrant is contacted via anelectronic contact, such as a telephone number. One premise of thepresent invention is that it is difficult to filter, stop, or penetratea telephonic voice call, whereas other means of communication,including, but not limited to, text messaging, e-mail, etc., can beintercepted, stopped, automatically filtered, trashed, or deleted by athird party.

As used herein, a registrant or user is one filling out the registrationform in order to register with the web-site or business. The registrantis typically a consumer, which can be an individual, but can also becompanies, organizations, governments, etc. Typically, the registrant isregistering with another business, which may also comprise anindividual, company, or organization or government. For example, theregistrant or consumer could be an individual attempting to access aweb-site and set up an account with a financial institution. The variousidentities, types and the like of the consumer and business are varied,as is the purpose of registration and verification.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the end-user or registrant begins theverification process (100), by filling out a form (102). Typically, thisform is provided at a web-site. If the user does not complete the form(104), the user receives notification that they did not completetelephone verification (106). However, if the user does fill out theform, he or she is allowed to log in (108). The user is routed to, or isable to access, a page that requests telephone verification (110). Theuser then attempts telephone verification (112), as will be more fullydescribed herein.

With reference to FIG. 2, in one registration embodiment, an on-lineregistration form is provided to a potential registrant at a web-site(200) i.e., a first communication connection. The registrant at leastpartially completes a portion of the registration form (202). At theweb-site, the registrant is prompted to supply his telephone number(204), or a verification system telephone number is supplied to theregistrant and the registrant is prompted to call this number (206). Atelephonic connection, i.e., a second communication connection, isestablished between the registrant and the verification system (208).During the registration process, a registration code is communicated tothe registrant (210), i.e., through the second communication connection.The registration code is then input into the on-line registration form,or otherwise at the web-site, i.e., through the first communicationconnection (212). The verification and authentication is completed andthe user is allowed to log into the web-site.

As described above, a present problem with on-line registrations is thatthe registrant often registers with untraceable and false e-mailaddresses and telephone numbers. The present invention provides aprocess for verifying an on-line registration, or at least the trueidentity of the registrant's telephone number so as to provide anadditional layer of security and reduce fraud. Thus, the registrantreceives the registration code (210) through the telephone connectionand is required to input the registration code into the verificationsystem (212) through the on-line registration form or otherwise at theweb-site. Not only does this method allow the user to be verified, butit also prevents fraud by requiring the registrant to enter theverification code back into the web-site connection where he/shecompleted the registration form (202). In the event of consumer orpotential registrant verification failure, it is assumed that theregistrant who is not verified through the verification system orthrough manual means is fraudulent. Therefore, the business may elect tocontact the consumer to determine why the consumer verification failed.This contact may be completed by automated or manual means ofcommunication between the business and the consumer, including, but notlimited to, automatically generated e-mail, manually generated e-mail,manually or automatically generated telephone calls, text messaging,etc.

With reference now to FIG. 3, in another embodiment, the verificationprocess begins by the registrant at least partially completing theon-line web registration form (300) on the web site. At the web-site,the registrant is prompted to enter the registrant's telephone number(302). The registrant is advised that the automated system will now callhis telephone number in search for verification (304). If the phone doesnot ring, indicating that the potential registrant has provided anuntraceable or false telephone number, the user is once again promptedto enter his telephone number (302). However, if the phone rings and aconnection is established between the registrant and a verificationsystem (306), the registrant answers the telephone and obtains agreeting and a registration code to enter into the on-line web-siteregistration and verification form (308). The registrant is then giventhe opportunity to enter the registration code, typically a three digitcode, into the on-line registration form (310) on the website. If theregistrant does not correctly enter the code, the registrant is givenanother opportunity to do so (312). Typically, the registrant will begiven a limited number of attempts to enter the registration code. Thisprevents potential registrants from attempting to enter a registrationcode by trial and error without providing the correct telephone numberin order to obtain the correct registration code via telephone. However,if the registrant enters the code correctly, the registration iscomplete and the registrant obtains a message, such as “you have beenverified and can now log in” (314) or the like. The registrant is thengiven access to the web-site or the services of the web-site for whichregistration is required. The authentication and verification process isconcluded.

With reference now to FIG. 4, yet another verification andauthentication process embodying the present invention is illustrated.The registrant completes, at least partially, an on-line webregistration form, and during the registration process is prompted toenter his telephone number (400) on the web-site. The registrant is thengiven, at the web-site, a registration code that needs to be entered byphone when the registrant is called (402). A telephonic connection isthen established by calling the telephone number provided by theregistrant (404). If the phone does not ring and a telephonic connectionis not established, the registration is not accepted (406), and theregistrant may then be prompted again to register his telephone number(400).

However, if the phone rings and a telephonic connection is established,the registrant answers the phone and gets a greeting which includes aprompting to enter the registration code obtained at the web-site (408)through the telephone connection. The registrant is then given theopportunity to enter the registration code by telephone (410), such asby speaking into the phone such that the verification system of theinvention is enabled with speech recognition software, or by enteringthe code via keypad or the like. If the registration code is not enteredcorrectly (412), the user or the registrant is given another opportunityto correctly enter the code. Preferably, as described above, theregistrant is given a limited number of opportunities to insert theregistration code correctly, such as two or three attempts, before thetelephonic connection is disconnected and the registrant must begin theregistration process over again. This is primarily to conserve systemresources. However, if the registrant correctly enters the code viatelephone, the registration is complete and the registrant typicallyobtains a message such as “you have been verified and can now log in”(414) or the like indicating that the authentication and verificationprocess has ended and that the registrant is given access to theweb-site for the particular services for which registration wasinitiated.

With reference now to FIG. 5, in yet another process for verifying anon-line registration embodying the present invention is shown. Theregistrant at least partially completes an on-line web registration formand is prompted to enter his telephone number, on the web-site.Typically, in this embodiment, the registrant is informed at theweb-site that he is now getting an electronic message. In a particularlypreferred embodiment, the electronic message is a Short Message Service(SMS) message which is a service for sending messages of up to apredetermined number of characters to mobile phones, such as those thatuse the Global System for Mobile (GSM) or CFMA communication to atelephone or the like. Although the electronic message can also comprisean e-mail message, instant message, page, or the like, SMS messages arepreferred as they do not require that the mobile phone be active andwithin the range, and can be held for a number of days until the phoneis active and within range. The SMS messages can be sent to digitalphones from a web-site equipped with appropriate software and hardwaresuch as PC Link, or even from one digital phone to another.

After the registrant has at least partially filled out the on-line webregistration form, and entered his telephone number (500) on theweb-site, the electronic message is sent to the registrant viatelephone, prompting him to call a telephone number to receive aregistration code in order to complete the on-line registration (502).The registrant is then given the opportunity to call the verificationsystem (504). If the registrant does not, the registration is notaccepted (506), and the registration and verification process ends.However, if the registrant calls the number given in the electronicmessage, the registrant is communicated a registration code (508),through the telephone connection. After obtaining the registration code,the registrant is given the opportunity to input the registration codecorrectly into the on-line web registration form (510), through theweb-site. If the registrant does not correctly enter the registrationcode, the registrant is typically given additional opportunities to doso again (512). Preferably, as described above, the registrant isallowed a limited number of attempts to correctly enter the registrationcode. Typically, the registration code is short, such as threecharacters, so as to provide hundreds if not thousands of possibleregistration codes, but which is easy to write down and remember whenproperly obtained.

If the registrant correctly enters the registration code into theon-line registration form at the web-site, registration is complete andthe registrant typically obtains message such as “you have been verifiedand can now log in” (514), which ends the verification andauthentication process and enables the registrant to access the web-siteor services provided to the web-site for which registration is required.

With reference now to FIG. 6, a similar process to that of FIG. 5 isillustrated. In order to begin the verification and authenticationprocess, the registrant is first presented an on-line registration format the web-site, and during the registration process is prompted toenter his telephone number, through the web-site. Preferably, theregistrant is informed that he will be getting an electronic messageshortly (600), i.e., through the telephone. Similar to that describedabove, the message is preferably an SMS message, but can comprise othertypes of message services, such as e-mail messages, instant messaging,voice messaging, etc.

In this embodiment, the electronic message provides the registrant aregistration code and prompts the registrant to call a verificationsystem telephone number to enter the registration code in order tocomplete the on-line registration (602). The registrant is then given anopportunity to call the telephone number (604). If the registrant doesnot call the telephone number (606), the registration is unaccepted andthe registration process ends. However, if the registrant does call thetelephone number provided in the electronic message, the registrant isgiven the opportunity to enter the code correctly via telephone (608).This can occur in a variety of ways. Typically, the system will beenabled with speech recognition software or the like such that theregistrant can simply speak the registration code into the telephonewhen calling the number. However, the system can also be devised suchthat the telephone keypad or the like is used to enter the previouslycommunicated registration code. If the registrant does not correctlyenter the code (610), the registrant is typically given a limited numberof additional attempts to correctly enter the registration code.However, if the registrant correctly enters the registration code bytelephone, registration is completed and the registrant typicallyobtains a message such as “you have been verified and can now log in”(612), thereby ending the verification and authentication process andenabling the registrant to complete the registration process, log intothe web-site or obtain the necessary services that the registrationrequires.

With reference now to FIG. 7, yet another embodiment of the process ofthe present invention is shown. In order to initiate the registration,verification and authentication process, the registrant first at leastpartially completes or fills out an on-line web-site registration form,and is given a registration code at that time (700), through theweb-site. The registrant is prompted to call a telephone number providedat the web-site to complete the verification (702).

The registrant is then given the opportunity to call the verificationsystem telephone number previously provided at the web-site (704). Ifthe registrant does not call the telephone number, the registration isnot accepted (706) and the registration process ends. However, if theregistrant does call and establish a telephonic connection betweenhimself and the verification system, the registrant gets a greeting andis prompted to “enter registration code now” (708) or the like.

The registrant then enters the registration code provided at theweb-site via telephone (710). If the registrant does so incorrectly(712) the registrant is given additional opportunities to do so.However, such opportunities are usually limited, as described above. Ifthe registrant does enter the code correctly, such as by voice or keypadentry using the telephone, the registration is complete and theregistrant typically obtains a message such as “you have been verifiedand can now log in” (714) so as to end the verification andauthentication process. With the registration complete and the telephonenumber of the registrant verified, the registrant is given access to theweb-site, or services offered through the web-site for whichregistration was acquired.

With reference now to FIG. 8, yet another embodiment of the process ofthe present invention is shown wherein in order to begin theregistration and verification process, the registrant at least partiallyfills out an on-line registration form at a web-site. The registrant isprompted to call a telephone number of a verification system in order toreceive a registration code in order to complete the on-lineregistration (800). The verification system telephone number is providedto the registrant at the web-site.

The registrant then calls the verification system telephone number(802). If the registrant does not (804), the registration is notaccepted and the registration process ends. However, if the registrantdoes call the given verification system telephone number, the registrantis given a registration code (806), through the telephone connection.

The registrant then uses the registration code communicated by telephoneand is given the opportunity to correctly enter the registration codeinto the on-line web registration form (808) at the web-site. If theregistration code is not correctly entered, the registrant is typicallygiven additional attempts to correctly do so (810). However, theseattempts are typically limited in number so as to prevent fraud asunscrupulous registrants might attempt to randomly enter a registrationcode into the registration form at the web-site in an attempt to gainaccess without actually calling the verification system telephonenumber. It will be appreciated that by calling the verification systemtelephone number, the registrant's telephone number can typically beobtained by caller identification or the like. If the registrantcorrectly enters the registration code into the on-line registrationform, registration is completed and the registrant obtains a message,typically, to the effect of “you have been verified and can now log in”(812), thus ending the verification and registration process.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that in all of the previouslydescribed embodiments, a telephone connection is established between theverification system and the potential registrant in order to eitherobtain a registration code or to input a registration code. This methodof telephone verification, in real-time, provides an additional layer ofsecurity, and thereby reduces fraud. The system can be automated so asto work twenty-four hours a day without the need to train employees orhave staff on hand in order to create the telephone connection andcomplete registration.

The verification system, particularly during a registration process, maybe used in conjunction with third party databases which containpersonally identifiable information about consumers. The informationgiven by the consumer, such as name, age, address, telephone number,social security number, etc., may be matched with this third partydatabase to ensure the integrity of the information and the identity ofthe potential registrant. In such instances, the verification system maycompare the third party database with the provided information beforeproviding a verification code or placing a verification call to thepotential registrant.

The present invention not only provides a method of verifying apotential registrant, such as through his or her telephone number byestablishing connection on-line with the registrant as well as via atelephone connection, it is also designed and configured so as toprovide notifications, alerts, information, etc., as established byeither the registrant or business. Such notifications, alerts, etc., areachieved through the information provided by the registrant during theregistration process, typically via the registrant provided telephonenumber. However, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art thatother notification means are possible, such as via e-mail, textmessaging, or the like.

With reference now to FIG. 9, in one embodiment, a user registers for anaccount (900), such as by filling out a registration form, which can bedone as described above. During the registration process, the userenters one or more telephone numbers where he or she can be reached(902). Such numbers are stored in the user's account (904), and can beused in the verification process, as well as an alert or notificationprocess.

For example, if the user logs into his or her account (906), attempts tomake a transaction (908), or attempts to modify account information(910), the user may be notified or even required to become telephoneverified (912). This can be established previously by the business, soas to prevent fraud on the business, or by the user/registrant in orderto protect his or her identity and account status. For example, theprocess of the present invention can be used to thwart identity thievesotherwise trying to make an unauthorized transaction, obtain personalidentifying information or account information, or modify accountinformation to their benefit.

If a previously established event occurs, then the system will notifyand/or verify the user. The user must receive a verification call at oneof the phone numbers previously stored in the account (914). That is, atelephonic connection with the registrant is established, and anelectronic message is sent. Electronic message includes the verificationcode, or provides means to obtain the verification code, such as atelephone number for the registrant to call to obtain the verificationcode. The electronic message may comprise an electronic message, such asa SMS (short message service) message received by registrant'stelephone. Of course, the message can comprise a voice message alertingthe user of the event. The user then completes the telephoneverification (916), such as by entering the verification code into aform in a web-site or via the user's telephone using voice or keypadentry. This verifies the identity of the registrant/user, and providesconfirmation of receipt of the information and, where necessary,authorization for the event to occur, such as access to the account,etc. If the code is incorrectly entered into the web-site or by phone,repeat attempts are allowed, but typically only a finite number of timesso as to prevent automated dialers and the like from fraudulentlyentering an access code (918). However, once the verification andauthorization is completed, the process is complete (920).

The system may be configured such so as to detect an answering machinemessage, and delay a predetermined amount of time before playing anautomated message. Typically, however, during the registration process,the potential registrant/user indicates whether the provided telephonenumbers are a direct line telephone number, or an indirect line, such asone answered by a receptionist or operator, or handled through anautomated system, such as an PBX system.

In such instance, when a verification call is initiated (1000), asillustrated in FIG. 10, the system determines whether the user needs tobe reached at an extension (1002). If not, the verification message isplayed once the telephone line is picked up (1004).

However, if the user needs to be reached at an extension, the systemthen determines whether an operator will answer the phone (1006). If so,when the call is picked up (1008), an automated message plays requestingthat the call be transferred to the user's extension (1010). Afterdirecting the live operator to dial the extension, the call is pausedfor a predetermined amount of time. Then, the verification message isplayed (1004), which includes either the verification code and/oroccurrence of the notification event.

If an operator does not answer the phone, but rather is an automatedsystem, once the call is picked up (1012), the extension isautomatically dialed, including any necessary pauses, additionalnumbers, such as pound or star signs, etc. (1014). Upon reaching theuser's telephone line or message machine, the verification message isplayed automatically (1004).

In the instance where the verification message includes the verificationcode or personal identification number (PIN), the end user enters thePIN number given in the verification message into a web-site (1016). Ofcourse, the user can also be asked to call a telephone number to enterthe code, or even enter the code while on the line with the system. Thesystem then determines whether the entered code is correct (1018) and,if not, the user is typically allowed to retry a finite number of times(1020), as discussed above. However, if the code is entered correctly,the process is completed (1022), and the user is verified either duringthe registration process, has confirmed receipt of the alert orinformation sought, or has authorized the transaction to occur.

During the registration process, when the user or consumer fills out aform, but is not able to or chooses not to phone verify using theverification system at the time of filling out the form, the system willpreferably allow the consumer to reverify at a later time using a methodthat may include, but is not limited to, permitting the consumer to loginto the web-site under the previous chosen user name, password, etc.The consumer's previously provided information, including address,telephone number, etc., will be stored in the system so the consumerdoes not need to reenter the information and can automatically beredirected to a page that will allow the consumer to attemptverification. The consumer must then phone verify, as described above,before they are able to access any area of the web-site that requiresthe user verification. Alternatively, an e-mail can be generated andsent to the consumer when there is a verification failure. The e-mailwill contain a link to a page on the business' website where theconsumer may reattempt to phone verify. The consumer previously enteredinformation, such as name, address, user name, password, etc., will bestored in the business' system so the consumer need not have to reenterthis information. The consumer must then phone verify before they areable to access any area of the web-site that requires user verification.

The verification system can be used at any point during a businesstransaction. For example, a merchant may verify a user before allowingthe user to reach a transaction page. The merchant may also verify theuser upon submission of a transaction, or after a transaction has beensubmitted. The merchant may verify after the transaction has beensubmitted to prevent hindering the completion of the transaction.Nonetheless, the verification system of the present invention isimplemented in such a way as to make a fraudulent transaction moredifficult by requiring a fraudulent user to gain access through theregistrant's phone. This method of fraud prevention can be achieved, asindicated above, by collecting the consumer's phone numbers and storingthese as part of the consumer's account. The business may choose to notallow the consumer to alter phone numbers associated with the consumer'saccount after initially collecting the numbers from the consumer, orrequire a safeguard process such as going through another registrationprocess in order to add or change telephone numbers. Thus, when aconsumer attempts to make certain transactions, as specified by eitherthe consumer or the business, the consumer may be notified or alerted ina variety of way. For example, all the phone numbers on record may becalled to alert or notify the consumer of the transaction, or to verifya consumer's transaction. However, a single phone number, such as apreferred phone number, may be set as the default number to call andalert or notify the consumer of the transaction. The consumer may begiven the opportunity to choose which phone number is called and set asthe default number.

The alert/notification aspect of the present invention can beimplemented in a wide variety of scenarios. For example, with respect toATM transactions, the business or consumer may wish the consumer to beinformed of a transaction that meets certain qualifications, aspreviously set by the business or consumer. For example, the consumermay wish to be notified every time a withdrawal of more than onethousand dollars is requested from his or her checking account. Or, thebusiness may wish to notify the consumer when more than fivetransactions post to the consumer's account within twenty-four hours.Other financial transactions can also be monitored and the consumeralerted. For example, with respect to credit card transactions, aconsumer who is a parent may wish to be notified when the consumer'schild makes a purchase or more than amount specified by the business orconsumer. The business or consumer may wish to have a notification sentwhen the financial account is accessed, or sought to be altered in anyway. The consumer may wish to be alerted by the business when a banktransaction occurs that meets certain qualifications. For example, aconsumer may wish to be informed of his checking account balance everyFriday at noon, when automatic withdrawals or payments are made, etc.

The present invention is not limited to notifying a user of events thatoccur with respect to a financial account. Instead, alerts ornotifications can be given to the user for any reason. For example, thetime of delivery of an item to the consumer can be automated in such afashion. Sports scores or other user information can be relayed to theuser as dictated by the business or user. The user may be informed ofairline flight changes, traffic conditions, weather conditions, changein stock markets, status of credit reports, etc.

The verification can be imposed either by the business or consumer. Thebusiness may allow the consumer to “opt-in” to the system and charge theconsumer each time the verification system is used. This creates a newstring of revenue for the business. However, this also provides aservice to the consumer. In certain circumstances, the business mayrequire the user to use the verification system, and charge the consumereach time the verification system is used. This can be done, forexample, to protect the business from financial losses due to identitytheft, account information misappropriation, etc. For example, a creditcard company may require that cardholders use the verification system,and be notified when certain suspect transactions occur, such ascharging more than $500.00 in a single transaction, in order to limitthe financial liability to the credit card company.

The business can choose to implement the verification system of thepresent invention with a call delay capability. This allows the consumerto choose when to receive the verification phone call. The business mayallow the consumer to choose from various options, including, call in 10minutes, call every 5 minutes if the line is busy, call every 10 minutesfor up to three attempts, call me now, etc., during the registrationprocess, or even during the notification process if the line is busy.This can be established during the registration process, as decidedbetween the consumer and the business

The business may also elect to automatically or manually requireconsumers to reverify after initial verification. This reverificationprocess may occur at times, including, but not limited to, certainintervals of time, such as once every month. This can be done in orderto ensure the integrity of the information. For example, this may beused to verify that the consumer can still be reached at the giventelephone number. This process may also occur when a consumer requestsanother consumer to be verified, or even if the consumer chooses to bereverified at certain intervals, for example, to rest assured that thesystem is tracking their account.

The business, under certain circumstances, may elect to accumulate adatabase of verified members for use with various purposes. Thisdatabase can comprise the third party database described above whichcould be used during the registration process to verify or authenticatethe identity of the potential registrants. Such a database may also beused for marketing purposes, including, but not limited to, mass textmessaging, mass verbal messaging, mass verbal calls, or any other way ofcommunicating with a consumer directly through the telephone. This maybe completed through automated systems, manual calling, or messaging.

With the advent of the CAN-SPAM Act of August 2004, a disclaimer may beprovided when a consumer uses the verification system that notifies theconsumer that the business may sent text message advertisements ornotifications to the consumer's telephone unless he or she opts out.Once this permission is established, the business may then sendcommercial text messages at a time and quantity of its choosing untilthe consumer notifies the business that he or she wants to opt out inaccordance with the CANSPAM Act. Businesses may use a community databaseof verified numbers to generate revenue by storing or selling numbersfor third parties, as well as for their own use.

Although several embodiments have been described in detail for purposesof illustration, various modifications may be made without departingfrom the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the inventionis not be limited, except as by the appended claims.

We claim:
 1. A verification and notification method implemented by acomputing system, the method comprising: receiving, from a user,information entered by the user via a website, the received informationincluding an electronic contact address associated with the user;verifying the electronic contact address by: establishing a telephonicconnection with the user using the received electronic contact address;communicating a verification code to the user through the telephonicconnection; receiving, via the website, a submitted verification codethat is entered by the user; and verifying the electronic contactaddress if the submitted verification code is the same as thecommunicated verification code; maintaining a record of one or morenotification events associated with actions that require authorizationby the user; upon receiving an indication of an occurrence of anestablished notification event, transmitting a short message service(SMS) message addressed to the verified electronic contact addressindicating the occurrence of the notification event; and receiving, fromthe user, an indication to authorize an action associated with theestablished notification event.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein theelectronic contact address comprises a telephone number.
 3. The methodof claim 1, wherein the notification event is a transaction.
 4. Themethod of claim 1, wherein communicating a verification code to the usercomprises sending the user an electronic message that includes theverification code.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the electronicmessage is an SMS message.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein theindication to authorize the action is received from the user via atelephonic connection.
 7. The method of claim 1, wherein the indicationto authorize the action is received via a website.
 8. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the notification event is established after receivingan indication from the user to establish the notification event.
 9. Themethod of claim 1, wherein the notification event is established by aparty associated with the website.
 10. The method of claim 1, whereinthe notification event is associated with activity related to afinancial account associated with the user.
 11. The method of claim 1,wherein the notification event is associated with a request to alter anaccount of the user.
 12. The method of claim 1, further comprisingcharging a fee to the user based at least in part on the user beingnotified of the occurrence of the established notification event. 13.The method of claim 1, further comprising associating the electroniccontact address with data indicating that the electronic contact addressis verified.
 14. A verification method implemented by a computingsystem, the method comprising: receiving information entered by a uservia a website, the received information including an electronic contactaddress and a name or an address; comparing the received information toa dataset containing personal identifying information; and when theelectronic contact address matches information in the database and atleast one of the received name or address matches information in thedataset, verifying the received electronic contact address by:establishing a telephonic connection with the user using the receivedelectronic contact address; communicating a verification code to theuser through the telephonic connection; receiving, via the website, asubmitted verification code that is entered by the user; and verifyingthe received electronic contact address if the submitted verificationcode is the same as the communicated verification code; and if thereceived electronic contract address is verified, associating theelectronic contact address with data indicating the verification of theelectronic contact address.
 15. The method of claim 14, furthercomprising: maintaining a record of one or more notification events, theoccurrence of which the user is to be notified of; and upon receiving anindication of an occurrence of an established notification event,transmitting an electronic message indicating the occurrence of thenotification event to the verified electronic contact address.
 16. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the electronic message comprises an SMSmessage.
 17. The method of claim 14, wherein the electronic contactaddress comprises a telephone number.
 18. The method of claim 14,wherein communicating a verification code to the user comprises sendingthe user a verification electronic message that includes theverification code.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein the verificationelectronic message is a short message service (SMS) message.
 20. Themethod of claim 15, wherein the electronic message includes a voicemessage.
 21. The method of claim 15, wherein the notification event isassociated a request to access an account of the user.
 22. The method ofclaim 15, further comprising charging a fee to the user based at leastin part on the user being notified of the occurrence of the establishednotification event.
 23. The method of claim 15, wherein the notificationevent is associated with activity related to a financial accountassociated with the user.